Composite support system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a composite support system comprising a body garment and a brassiere portion. The body garment has an upper edge along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener. The brassiere portion has at least a bra base, two breast supporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than one second fastener along the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, along the bra base, or any combination thereof. The second fastener is complementary to the first fastener. The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners reversably attaches the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof, of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

The present invention relates to a composite support system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite support system having improved versatility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The undergarment industry has expended considerable energy in producing undergarments for women that shape and support the body. Of the types of support garments known in the art are brassieres, girdles, panty girdles and the like. In order to provide maximal support and shaping to the female body various composite undergarments have been developed.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,156 (Steinberger) discloses a combined midriff covering brassiere and lower torso covering corselet. The corselet is a girdle-type corselet and is detachably joined to the brassiere at the front by a zipper fastener while remaining unattached at the back. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,327,714 (Steinberger) teaches a combined brassiere and panty girdle or slip. The brassiere and panty girdle or slip is detachably connected at the front by a zipper assembly, but remains unattached at the back. The brassiere of '156 and '714 is also of a long-line type construction and the zipper fastener of both '156 and '714 is in the waist area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,249 discloses a combination brassiere and panty girdle. The upper portion is a longline brassiere, which overlaps the panty girdle and is releasably attached to it by a plurality of snaps attached to the upper and lower portions at a location approximately waist level. Others have shown similar arrangements with various fastening methods, for example U.S. Pat. No. 1,625,664; U.S. Pat. No. 1,966,973; U.S. Pat. No. 2,010,592; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,525,666.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,500 (Hampton) teaches a combination brassiere and undergarment with removable cups. The undergarment may be a torso-covering garment, a midriff support, or a girdle, and is a one-piece sheath coming together in a seam at the front of the garment. Underwires made of metal or plastic and having fasteners are provided on the upper end of the undergarment, to which the breast-supporting cups are removably attached.

While the prior art garments have provided shaping of the body, the comfort of the garments are somewhat questionable. In particular, those garments with overlapping of the brassiere and bottom portions at the waist cause a bulk of fabric that is both uncomfortable and visible through the wearer's clothing. Also, the nature of the prior art garments is such that the garments are stiff and usually comprise stiffening structures such as reinforced stitching, bones, stays or the like. The '500 structure is particularly rigid in the breast area, and would likely allow no relative torsion movement between the upper torso and the waist. The prior art garments diminish the free body movement of the wearer and reduce the wearer's comfort level. Furthermore, such reinforcing structures may cause pinching, chaffing, rubbing, and/or general discomfort for the wearer.

Some progress in this area was disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,038,414 (Freeman), which describes a full body hosiery garment that includes a panty portion and a camisole portion attached at the waist. The camisole portion may be connected to the panty portion along an upper edge thereof by a sewing technique or by releasable fasteners. However, '414 is formed as hosiery and does not provide significant support and shaping to the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (Balit) describes a seamless swimsuit liner or undergarment. The garment provides shaping of and firm support to the body through various stitching patterns. As the undergarment of Balit is an integral garment, it does not allow for interchanging of brassiere and bottom support structure. Therefore, such a garment cannot accommodate variations in body types.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composite support system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite support system having improved versatility.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite support system.

The present invention provides a composite support system comprising:

-   -   (a) a body garment having an upper edge along which is provided         one, or more than one first fastener; and     -   (b) a brassiere portion having at least a bra base, two breast         supporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than         one second fastener along the lower edge of the breast         supporting cups, along the bra base, or any combination thereof,         said second fastener complementary to the first fastener,         The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and         second fasteners releasably attaches the lower edge of the         breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof,         of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

The present invention also provides the composite support system defined above, wherein the body garment is a midsection support structure. The midsection support system may be a panty midsection support structure or a body slip midsection support structure. The midsection support structure may also be a long-leg panty midsection support structure, a capri midsection support structure, a thong midsection support structure, or a camisole midsection support structure.

The present invention pertains to the composite support system defined above, wherein the one, or more than one first and second fasteners are complementary invisible zipper fasteners.

The present invention is also directed to the method as described above, wherein the midsection support structure is a seamless structure. The seamless support structure may comprise a maximum support stitch, a medium support stitch, a soft selection area stitch, or a combination thereof. The maximum support stitch is used at the mid-section, anchor portions around buttocks, rear, portions around legs, or hip portions, or a combination thereof; the medium support stitch is used in the waist and rear portions, or around legs, or a combination thereof; and the soft selection area stitch is used in the bust, buttock, or crotch areas or a combination thereof.

The present invention is also directed to the composite support system as just described, wherein the bra base does not extend lower than about 3 cm from the lower edge of the breast supporting cups.

The body garment and brassiere portion of the present invention are advantageously constructed so that various sizes of each are compatible. For example, different sizes of brassiere portions may be releasably attached to a given size body garment; alternatively, different sizes of body garments may be releasably attached to a given size brassiere portion. Therefore, the composite support system of the present invention is versatile, in that it accommodates various body types. Additionally, the body garments and brassiere portions may be provided in a variety of colours, which allows mixing and matching of both sizes and colours.

The construction of the composite support structure, and the placement of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners, in the present invention prevents the accumulation of a bulk of fabric at the waist, as seen in several prior art garments. This increases the comfort level of the wearer and renders the garment invisible through the wearer's clothing. In addition, location of attachment of the brassiere portion to the body garment allows free movement of the wearer without undue distortion of the composite support structure or the body, which may prevent pinching, chaffing, rubbing, and/or general discomfort for the wearer.

This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A-F shows a schematic diagram of various embodiments of the composite support system according to the present invention, with different types of support areas shown in different types of shading. FIG. 1A is one embodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of a classic panty-type body garment. FIG. 1B shows a second embodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of a body slip-type support garment. FIG. 1C shows another embodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of a long-leg-type body garment. FIG. 1D shows yet another embodiment of the present invention, a front view of a Capri-type body garment. FIG. 1E shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of a thong-type body garment. FIG. 1E shows still another embodiment of the present invention, showing front and back views of a camisole-type body garment.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of various embodiments of the brassiere according to the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a schematic diagram of a brassiere portion with non-removable shoulder straps 80. FIG. 2B shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the brassiere portion with removable shoulder straps 80, such that the brassiere may be converted to a strapless brassiere. FIG. 2C shows a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the brassiere portion as a strapless brassiere.

FIG. 3A shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the composite support system according to the present invention, with the body garment and brassiere portion releasably attached. FIG. 3B shows a schematic diagram of the composite support system of FIG. 2A with the body garment and brassiere portion detached. FIG. 3C shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the composite garment according to the present invention, with the body garment and brassiere portion detached. FIG. 3D shows a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the composite support system according to the present invention, with the body garment and brassiere portion detached.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to a composite support system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composite support system having improved versatility.

The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

With reference to the figures, according to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided composite support system 10 (e.g. FIGS. 1A-D), comprising:

-   -   (a) a body garment, for example 22 or 24, having an upper edge         25 along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener         (110, e.g. FIGS. 3B-3C); and     -   (b) a brassiere portion 30 having at least a bra base (50, or 60         and 70) two breast supporting cups 40 each with a lower edge 35         and one, or more than one second fastener 120 along the lower         edge 35 of the breast supporting cups 40, along the bra base         (50, or 60 and 70), or any combination thereof, the second         fastener 120 complementary to the first fastener 110.         The complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and         second fasteners reversably attaches the lower edge of the         breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof,         of the brassiere portion to the upper edge of the body garment.

By the term “composite support system” or “composite garment”, it is meant a garment comprising at least two pieces, a body garment, and a top garment or brassiere portion, that are joined together at one or more than one location.

The bottom portion of the composite support system according to the present invention is a body garment or a body suit (for example 22, FIGS. 1 and 3B-3D). By the terms “body garment” or “body suit”, it is meant any suitable midsection and lower body-covering garment. The body garment may cover at least the midsection and the buttocks, and may optionally cover part or all of the thighs or legs (e.g. FIGS. 1A-E). The body garment may also cover the midsection and part of the buttocks (e.g. FIG. 1F). For example, but without wishing to be limiting, the body garment may be a midsection support structure or a slip garment (e.g. FIG. 1D). Preferably, the body garment is a seamless midsection support structure, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (Balit; which is incorporated herein by reference).

By “midsection support structure” it is meant a garment that substantially controls the shape of the wearer in a desired manner in order to, for example, enhance appearance. The support structure provides sculpting control of the mid-section (stomach), buttocks, thigh, or a combination of these areas. It is to be understood that the midsection support structure of the present invention covers at least the loin and mid-section areas of the torso. However, the support structure of the present invention may also comprise a garment that provides support to the buttock, thigh and/or leg areas. Examples of such different garments, which again are not to be considered limiting in any manner, include:

-   -   a combined mid-section-loin-buttock support and panty girdle;     -   a combined mid-section-loin-buttock support and long-leg girdle;     -   a combined mid-section-loin-buttock support and Capri girdle;     -   a combined mid-section-loin support and thong;     -   a camisole; and     -   a body slip.

It is preferred that the midsection support structure as described above should provide support and control to the body. The areas of the body that typically require sculpting control and support include the bust, the mid-section, loin, and buttock regions, or any combination thereof. As will be seen below, the bust region will be supported by a separate garment that is removably attached to the body garment.

Preferably, the midsection support structure is a unitary garment, and may be of any suitable construction. For example and without wishing to be limiting in any manner, the midsection support structure may be constructed of a number of panels that are joined together at seams, similar to the girdle-type constructions known in the art. Preferably, the midsection support structure is a seamless garment, for example as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (which is incorporated herein by reference). The composite support structure of the present invention may also comprise a midsection support structure containing alternate elements for providing support or rigidity, for example, stitching or reinforced seams, bones, stays, frames, wires, or other similar structures known in the art.

By the term “seamless”, it is meant a midsection support structure that is produced in a single sleeve, with no seams. A non-limiting example of such a garment may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

The seamless support structure may incorporate different types of stitches, different use of yarns, or a combination thereof. The various stitches and yarns should be used in appropriate areas, in order that the stitch gives the appropriate control as needed for each separate area. For example, different stitches and/or yarns can be used for:

-   -   maximum support areas such as the stomach, anchor portions         around buttocks, and rear portions around legs, and hip         portions;     -   medium support areas including the waist and rear portions         around legs;     -   intermediate support areas are used between maximum support and         very soft selection areas, for example in the front areas around         legs and area around buttocks;     -   soft selection areas including the buttock and crotch areas; and     -   band areas including the waistband.

For example, but without wishing to be limiting in any manner, proper selection of stitches for the above areas may provide for the following results: the band area, for example on the waist, compresses the area to provide additional support of the support structure to keep the complete support structure in place without cutting the figure. Similarly, maximum support stitches within the mid-section, hips and rear portions around legs provide very efficient shaping of those areas in combination with soft areas on buttocks and intermediate support areas around buttocks, without being uncomfortable to the user. This way, the buttocks are shaped to give them a natural look, and in the same time they are supported around in gradual manner. Anchor portions (maximum support areas) of a generally symmetrical T-shape configuration are located in the crack between the cheeks of buttocks and allow to bring up the whole buttock area, yet functions in a discreet manner in that it hides the fact that there is support providing the desired figure. The symmetrical T-shaped anchor portions have a tendency to be pulled to each other, thus facilitating the lifting and shaping of buttock areas into a naturally looking form. Other combinations of degree of support and body area may be used, as desired. Various embodiments of the combination of different areas of support are shown in FIGS. 1A-F using different types of shading. The different stitches and different yarns used to create the areas of varying support may be, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (incorporated herein by reference).

Alternatively, the midsection support structure could be of a construction similar to that described above, but may comprise one, or more than one seam. For example, but without wishing to be limiting, the garment may be of one piece, but provided with one seam along the back, front or side of the garment; alternatively, the garment may be of two pieces, provided with one seam along each side, or in front and back.

Regardless of the construction of the midsection support structure, it is to be desired that external forces exerted on the body do not unnecessarily distort the garment. As force is exerted on a controlled part of the body when the support structure is in use, the support structure may also control other parts of the body so that the displaced flesh does not appear elsewhere. Furthermore, the midsection support structure may include additional elements, for example but without wishing to be limiting, edging tape stitched onto the garment around the legs, a closure in the gusset, or other elements for convenience or comfort.

Alternatively, the body garment could be a loose-fitting slip garment. The slip may be of any construction that is known in the art. Generally, a slip is a tubular skirt, is loose fitting, and is made of any material known in the art appropriate for the intended purpose.

The body garment has an upper edge (25, e.g. FIGS. 3A-3D), which is complementary in shape to the lower edge (35, e.g. FIGS. 3A-3D) of the top portion of the composite garment.

The top portion of the composite garment of the present invention is a brassiere portion (30, e.g. FIGS. 3A-3D). The brassiere portion provides support to the bust region. The construction of the brassiere portion of the present invention will be well known to those of skill in the art. The brassiere may be constructed of any suitable material in any suitable style and should include at least a pair of breast supporting cups (40) and a bra base (e.g. 50, FIG. 3D; or 60 and 70 FIG. 3B). The bra base encircles the upper torso on a level with, or just below the level of the breasts, as is known in the art; it may be provided as a continuous or discontinuous length. Without wishing to be limiting in any manner, in the case where the bra base provided is discontinuous, a front panel may be attached between the breast supporting cups, and side/back panels may be attached on either side of the cups. Alternatively, the panels may be sewn together to form a single continuous bra base, which is attached to the lower edge of the breast supporting cups (FIG. 3D). In another example, the continuous bra base may be constructed of a single panel. The bra base may have a closure, either in the front or back, which may be, but is not limited to a hook-and-eye closure.

The breast supporting cups are attached to the bra base in any manner know in the art. In a non-limiting example, the cups may be sewn to the bra base, or may form an integral part of the bra base such as, but not limited to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,120 (incorporated herein by reference). Furthermore, the breast supporting cups may be padded, for example as in a push-up bra, or they may be soft cups.

Regardless of the construction of the bra base, it should be confined to the breast region of the torso, and should not extend to the waist. Generally, the bra base of the brassiere portion should not extend more than 5 cm from the lowermost portion of the breast supporting cups. For example, the brassiere portion may extend about 0 to about 5 cm from the lowermost portion of the breast supporting cups, or about 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cm from the lowermost portion of the breast supporting cups. The brassiere portion of the present invention is not intended to encompass a longline brassiere.

The brassiere may also be provided with underwires along the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, in a manner known in the art, to provide additional support. The brassiere portion may (e.g. FIGS. 2A-2B; 3A-3B) or may not (e.g. FIGS. 1A-1D; 2C) have shoulder straps 80 that connect to the bra base in the front and back in the customary way, or the shoulder straps may be removable or interchangeable. It is a feature of the present invention that the brassiere portion is a functioning entity and may be worn separately from the bottom, or body garment, portion.

The brassiere portion 30 and the body garment 20 are releasably attached from each other by one, or more than one fastener 100. According to the present invention, the fastener may be any suitable fastener known in the art, including, but not limited to a zipper, snaps, hook and loop fasteners for example, Velcro™, traditional metal or plastic hook-and-eye type fasteners, lacings, or the like. As will be recognized by a person of skill in the art, the types of fasteners appropriate for the present invention are those comprising two complementary components. In this case, one part of the one, or more than one fastener will be referred to as a “first fastener” 110, while the complementary portion will be referred to as “second fastener” 120. It should be noted that permanent fasteners, such as seams, are to be avoided.

The one, or more than one first fastener is provided along the upper edge 25 of the body garment (e.g. see FIGS. 3B-3D). The one, or more than one second fastener is provided below the breast supporting cups of the brassiere portion 30. By the term “below”, it is meant that the on, or more than one second fastener may be provided along the lower 35 edge of the breast supporting cups, on or along the bra base, or any combination thereof. For example but without wishing to be limiting in any manner, the one, or more than one second fastener may be located along the lower edge 35 of the breast supporting cups (FIGS. 3B-3C), which may coincide with the seams attaching the cups to the bra base. In another non-limiting example, the one, or more than one second fastener may be provided along the bra base (FIG. 3D). In this arrangement, the second fastener(s) may be placed at any location along the width of the bra base; for example, the one, or more than one second fastener may or may not contour the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, or may be provided along upper or lower edge of the bra base, or any combination thereof. Regardless of where the second fastener(s) is provided on the brassiere portion, it is important that the placement of the one or more than one second fastener complement the placement of the one, or more than one first fastener, such that complementary joining of the first and second fastener(s) can occur without distortion or bunching of the body garment or brassiere portion.

The one, or more than one first and second fasteners may join the brassiere portion and the body garment in the front, in the back, or a combination thereof. For example, the one, or more than one second fastener may be provided along the entire length, or a portion of the length, of the bra base; in such an arrangement, the one, or more than one first fastener would be located along the entire upper edge of the body garment, or a portion thereof. Also, the one, or more than one second fastener may be provided along the entire length of the lower edge of the breast supporting cups and/or bra base, or a portion thereof. As distortion or bunching of the body garment or brassiere portion is to be avoided, a preferred placement of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners is along the front of the composite garment.

Along the inside of the garment may be provided a fabric, which prevents contact of the joined one or more than one fastener with the skin of the wearer. Thus, any discomfort to the wearer may be reduced.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the fasteners as described above allow for complementary joining of the one or more than one first and second fasteners. Upon complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners, the body garment and brassiere portion become releasably attached. Therefore, the brassiere portion can be removed from the body garment and replaced, at will. Also, the brassiere portion and body garment may be interchanged; for example, but without wishing to be limiting in any manner, different types, colours, or sizes of brassiere portions can be removably attached to a given body garment, or different types, colours, or sizes of body garments can be removably attached to a given brassiere portion. It should also be understood that the fasteners on the body garment and the brassiere portion must remain in complementary positions regardless of the type, colour, or size of each portion.

The support structure of the present invention may also be provided as a swimsuit, a swimsuit liner, or a combination thereof. In a non-limiting example, the brassiere portion may be provided as a swimsuit top, while the body garment is a swimsuit liner that is covered by the swimsuit outer material; alternatively, the body garment may be provided as a swimsuit bottom.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1A to 1F show various embodiments of the composite garment 10 of the present invention:

-   -   a brassiere portion 30 with a classic panty midsection support         structure 22 (FIG. 1A);     -   a brassiere portion 30 with a body slip midsection support         structure 22 (FIG. 1B);     -   a brassiere portion 30 with a long-leg panty midsection support         structure 22 (FIG. 1C);     -   a brassiere portion 30 with a Capri midsection support structure         24 (FIG. 1D);     -   a brassiere portion 30 with a thong midsection support structure         24 (FIG. 1E);     -   a brassiere portion 30 with a camisole midsection support         structure 24 (FIG. 1F);

While the brassiere portion 30 is shown in FIG. 1 with shoulder straps, it is to be understood that various types of brassiere are contemplated for use in the present invention. FIGS. 2A-2C show non-limiting embodiments of the brassiere portion 30; for example, a brassiere with straps (FIG. 2A), a brassiere with detachable straps (FIG. 2B), or a strapless brassiere (FIG. 2C) may be suitable for use in the present invention. Furthermore, the brassiere portion 30 may be any type of brassiere, for example, but not limited to a push-up bra, a soft-cup bra, a seamless bra, or a padded or unpadded bra.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3A shows the composite garment 10 with the body garment and brassiere portion 30 attached, while FIG. 3B shows these components detached. The panty midsection support structure 22 (body garment) may be provided with two invisible zipper first fasteners 110 (with the carriage) along its upper edge 25 and a closure at the gusset (not shown). Complementary zipper second fasteners 35 are provided along the lower edge 35 of the breast supporting cups 40 of the brassiere portion 30. The first and second zipper fasteners 110, 120 join in a complementary fashion to releasably attach the brassiere portion 30 to the panty midsection support structure 22. In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the brassiere portion 30 also has a bra base 50 that is discontinuous and defined by the front panel 60 and side/back panels 70. Shoulder straps 80 with double end hooks attach the breast supporting cups 40 to the side/back panels 70 and to the back of the panty midsection support structure 22. A back closure 90 provides means for attaching the bra base 50 around the wearer's torso. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, when the brassiere portion 30 and panty midsection support structure 22 are removably attached by fasteners 100, the upper edge 25 of the panty midsection support structure 22 is complementary to the lower edge 35 of the breast supporting cups 40 and the top edge of the front panel 60.

An alternative method of reversibly fastening the body garment and the brassiere portion is shown in FIG. 3C. The brassiere portion 30 and the panty midsection support structure 22 have a construction as described above, except for the placement of the complementary second and first fasteners, 120 and 110, respectively. In this embodiment, a single invisible zipper fastener 110 (i.e. the first fastener), with carriage, is provided along the upper edge of the panty midsection support structure 22. A complementary zipper fastener 120 (i.e. the second fastener) is provided along the lower edge 35 of the breast supporting cups 40 and the lower edge of the front panel 60. As can be readily determined from the figure, the upper edge 25 of the panty midsection support structure 22 is complementary to the lower edge 35 of the brassiere portion 30.

In yet another embodiment shown in FIG. 3D, the bra base 50 of the brassiere portion 30 is a continuous bra base 50. As previously described, the continuous bra base 50 may be constructed of one panel, or of more than one panel sewn together. The panty midsection support structure 22 is constructed as previously described, with a single invisible zipper fastener 110 (i.e. the first fastener) provided on its upper edge 25. A complementary zipper fastener 120 (i.e. the second fastener) is provided along the lower edge 35 of the continuous bra base 50. Again, the upper edge 25 of the panty midsection support structure 22 is complementary to the lower edge of the brassiere portion 30.

The body garment and brassiere portion of the present invention are so constructed that various sizes of each are compatible. For example, different sizes of brassiere portions may be releasably attached to a given size body garment; alternatively, different sizes of body garments may be releasably attached to a given size brassiere portion. Therefore, the composite support system of the present invention is versatile, in that it accommodates various body types. Additionally, the body garments and brassiere portions may be provided in a variety of colours, which allows mixing and matching of both sizes and colours.

The construction of the composite support structure, and the placement of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners, in the present invention prevents the accumulation of a bulk of fabric at the waist, as seen in several prior art garments. This increases the comfort level of the wearer and renders the garment invisible through the wearer's clothing. In addition, location of attachment of the brassiere portion to the body garment allows free movement of the wearer without undue distortion of the composite support structure or the body, which may prevent pinching, chaffing, rubbing, or general discomfort for the wearer.

The above description is not intended to limit the claimed invention in any manner. Furthermore, the discussed combination of features might not be absolutely necessary for the inventive solution. 

1. A composite support system, comprising: (a) a body garment having an upper edge along which is provided one, or more than one first fastener; and (b) a brassiere portion having at least a bra base, two breast supporting cups each with a lower edge, and one, or more than one second fastener along the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, along the bra base, or any combination thereof, said second fastener complementary to the first fastener, said brassiere portion releasably attached by the lower edge of the breast supporting cups, the bra base, or a combination thereof, to the upper edge of the body garment by complementary joining of the one, or more than one first and second fasteners.
 2. The composite support system of claim 1, wherein the body garment is a midsection support structure.
 3. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a panty midsection support structure.
 4. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a body slip midsection support structure.
 5. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a long-leg panty midsection support structure.
 6. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a capri midsection support structure.
 7. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a thong midsection support structure.
 8. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a camisole midsection support structure.
 9. The composite support system of claim 1, wherein the one, or more than one first and second fasteners are complementary invisible zipper fasteners.
 10. The composite support system of claim 2, wherein the midsection support structure is a seamless structure.
 11. The composite support system of claim 10, wherein the seamless structure comprises a maximum support stitch, a medium support stitch, a soft selection area stitch, or a combination thereof, wherein said maximum support stitch is used at the mid-section, anchor portions around buttocks, rear, portions around legs, or hip portions, or a combination thereof, said medium support stitch is used in the waist and rear portions, or around legs, or a combination thereof, and said soft selection area stitch is used in the bust, buttock, or crotch areas or a combination thereof.
 12. The composite support system of claim 1, wherein the bra base does not extend further than about 3 cm from the lower edge of the breast supporting cups. 